Director Terry Gilliam grabs hold of the essence of gonzo journalism and doesn't let go in his masterpiece "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas."
Gilliam cut his teeth in the entertainment business as the animator behind the bizarre and unique cartoons that accompanied Monty Python's many television shows, movies and books.
He directed "Brazil" in 1985 and "12 Monkeys" in 1995, and his directorial eye is as unique as his animations. Because of this, his work is hard to follow and requires repeat viewings and extensive research for viewers to even begin to understand the plot. However, this gives Gilliam the distinction of being a director whose films take on additional depth and meaning with every viewing.
His most accessible film, "Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas," is based on Hunter S. Thompson's 1972 book, which tells the story of Thompson's attempt to write about a dirt-bike race amid mass consumption of drugs, the vices of Las Vegas, upsetting the status quo and his ever-present search for the American dream.
The story follows Thompson's alter ego, Raoul Duke, masterfully played by Johnny Depp, as he makes his way to the Vegas desert. His lawyer, Dr. Gonzo, accompanies him on his journey, supplying him with obscene amounts of drugs and shoving Duke into situations he really doesn't want to be in. Benicio Del Toro embodies Dr. Gonzo, creating a frightening, yet hilarious, human being.
Channeling Thompson's unique personality and voice, Depp, who spent months alongside the author studying his mannerisms, is so likeable and fascinating the movie becomes pure entertainment, which was something that made reading Thompson's work so enjoyable.
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Thompson was one of a kind, directly responsible for a style of journalism known as gonzo journalism, in which he became the main character of his stories.
Gilliam's unique touch works wonders with Depp's distinctive acting and Thompson's strong writing style, creating a movie enjoyable enough to merit several viewings. And as with all of Gilliam's films, you unravel more of the story each time you watch it.
In the wake of Thompson's suicide, it becomes more relevant than ever to see this film - if only to get a glimpse into the life of counterculture's hero.
Thompson spent his life raging against the machine and taking as many people along on the ride as possible. "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" shows the man at his best.
